In Vitro Fertilization is the most widely used treatment and involves a seven step process which is ideal for most problems including blocked tubes.

What does IVF involve?  In Vitro Fertilization involves the surgical removal of an egg, which is then mixed with sperm in a laboratory dish to fertilize and produce an embryo outside the womb.  IVF treatment occurs in cycles since there are various stages which must be completed for it to be successful.  Initially a drug is used in the form of a nasal spray or injection to switch off the woman’s natural cycle of egg production in the ovaries, known as “down regulation”.  Fertility drugs are then given to stimulate the ovaries to produce more then one egg (ovulation induction).  Mature eggs are collected from the ovaries using a fine needle guided by ultrasound.  The procedure is usually uncomfortable rather than painful.  On the same day, the partner’s sperm is collected, and then the eggs and sperm are mixed in a dish.  Within  a few days, multiple embryos are transferred into the womb.  If an embryo successfully attaches to the inside of the womb and continues to grow, a pregnancy results.  Tomorrow we will go into much more detail about IVF and what a hopeful mother can expect when preparing herself emotionally and physically for this process.  There are many steps, so it can be time consuming and patience is key.  We will also be touching on other forms of alternative conception coming up.  In addition to IVF we will learn about ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) and Artificial insemination.

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